Dog Health Questions: Has anyone used Petcos puppy training classes?

We just got a new puppy...a boxer/pit bull mix and want to take him dog training classes. I was thinking about going to Petco and using their puppy training class. Has anyone used these classes before, and how did they work out?

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
The *WORST* possible choice on the planet!!!!!!!!
Do NOT let those minimum-wage know-nothing morons NEAR it!!!
Contact your local kennel club for REAL training classes,run by REAL trainers! Those who actually know which end BITES.

Is Your Dog Training You?

• Yes its crap. Do not recommend them. I personally prefer 1 to 1 session with a dog trainer who comes at home


• We're in a puppy class at Petsmart now and we like it. I wouldn't use a pet-store class for really serious training or training a dog I planned to show, obviously, but for basic obedience and tips, it's pretty good. It's also a nice way to socialize (we have seven pups in our class and the interaction is good without being uncomfortable). Most of it is just learning basic techniques and tricks, and then following up on it at home.
  
  I wouldn't recommend it for a dog with serious behavioral issues (in that case you should get a personal trainer), but I'm happy with how ours is working so far.


• Those classes are a waste of good $$$. Call your local kennel club and see when they have classes. The people who teach classes at Petco/PetsMart go thru a 2 week course, not hardly enough knowledge to teach classes. Your local kennel club hires obedience judges/trainers, who have competed and have proven their worthiness to teach. Having been an obedience trainer, in the past, I signed up for one of these classes, just out of curiosity, what a joke.


• I wouldn't recommend it. It can be a mixed bag when you go to pet store (Petco, Petsmart, etc) training classes. Some stores have very good trainers who know exactly what they are teaching, but those are far and few in between. I'd suggest saving the $90 + you would be spending at Petco and get a quality training class recommended by a Kennel Club in your area of some sort.
  
  I went through my kennel club and will only be playing $75 ($52 if I were a member) for 6 weeks of Obedience, then that will in turn take $10 off my next class with them if I choose to take another one.


• Oh I think I would love to have someone helping me "train" my puppy who's' only qualification in working at petco would be their inability is to ask "would you like fries with that shake"


• Save your money.
  
  For roughly the same cost you can take your pup to a real trainer ... one who is qualified to teach more than 'sit' and 'down' and will be able to spot and correct any problems/issues that arise.
  
  'Dog training' is actually 'owner training' ... a good trainer will focus on the owner and how he/she interacts with the dog. A few sets of group classes (puppy kindergarten) are ideal for young puppies and most trainers offer those, as well as individual one-on-one instruction if desired, or if there are serious problems (aggression, for example) that cannot be managed in a group setting.


• I have not used Petcos but I can tell you the PetSmarts are wonderful. My 1 1/2 year old dog just finished the intermediate class and my puppy just started the puppy class and they are doing so well. Just keep in mind that these classes are more for you than the dog. They teach you how to train your dog and your success will be determined by how much you practice this at home. The 1 hour session in the store isn't enough and it's pretty clear which owners practice and which don't.


• Pet store trainers, like the ones at Pet Co and Pet Smart have no idea what they are doing, and no idea of what is good for the dog
  
  Go to the American Kennel Club website to the training center section, all the trainers certified by the AKC are good at what they do, and enjoy doing it also if you use these centers they can certify for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Good Canine Citizen, and train for agility, rally, obedience, etc. on a competition level, though competition is not required to use them for training, here is a url direct to the training center page, just click on you're state and call the nearest one to you're house you will need to ask them for pricing, but most of them do not charge over $125 for a 7-10 week class that meets once a week, http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/trai…


• Why don't you just read up on puppy training tips on the internet, and I would recommend watching that show called 'It's Me or The Dog' on Animal Planet. That lady has a ton of great ideas. Also, buy a crate and put the puppy in when you are leaving. DO NOT leave him in the crate when you are away and at night too- that is too much time in "prison". The crate system works well for potty training though. Also, if you absolutely have to, get a shock collar but don't abuse this, it does sting your puppy!